QMI Agency

Philadelphia Flyers forward Scott Hartnell is scheduled to see a cardiologist Tuesday after his heart rate became elevated during Friday's preseason game against the Detroit Red Wings.

Hartnell was held out of the third period after experiencing abnormal twitching in his right arm during the intermission, the Flyers said Sunday. That led to doctors discovering the elevated heart rate.

"We're getting him checked out," Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren said. "I'm sure it was a scary situation for Scott. We're mildly concerned because he is a young guy. He had some twitching in his arms -- Jimmy (McCrossin, trainer) looked at him right away and his heart rate was elevated.

"It should not have been after a period of time that they held him out."

Doctors looked at Hartnell Saturday but couldn't determine the cause of the problem so a specialist was called in.

Hartnell, who tried to downplay the issue, did not skate with the Flyers Sunday and will not play Monday against the New York Rangers.

BOYES BANNED

Buffalo Sabres forward Brad Boyes was suspended for two preseason games Sunday.

Boyes got the suspension for a hit to the head of Toronto Maple Leafs forward Joe Colborne Saturday in Buffalo. He wasn't penalized on the play, which took place at 1:46 of the first period.

Boyes sat out Sunday's game in Columbus and will also miss the game in Washington Friday. He's eligible to play again when the Sabres take on Manheim Oct. 5 in Germany.

STAAL STILL STALLED

New York Rangers defenceman Marc Staal will not travel to Europe for the team's preseason games and appears more likely to miss the season opener.

Staal is still recovering from post-concussion symptoms -- the injury came on a hit by his brother late last season -- so he won't play for the Rangers in their exhibition games against European teams.

"He will not be on the trip," Rangers coach John Tortorella said on the team's website Sunday. "We are hoping as he continues his procedures with the specialists that I will have an update in 4-5 days. We're gonna try and get him on the trip. Once he's ready to do all the stuff we want him to do to prepare for the regular season, we'll have him come out."

The Rangers also open the NHL regular season in Europe, taking on the Los Angeles Kings Oct. 7 in Stockholm.

JACQUES IN HOT WATER

Anaheim Ducks forward J.F. Jacques, already facing an automatic one-game suspension for instigating a fight in the final five minutes of a game, could face further discipline from the league.

Jacques could be punished further for violating Rule 70, which applies to any player who, on a line change comes onto the ice for the purpose of starting a fight, according to TSN.ca. After coming on the ice Saturday against the Vancouver Canucks, Jacques skated directly towards Mike Duco and instigated a scrap.

NHL disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan could give Jacques an additional suspension for his actions.

Shanahan still hasn't ruled on what punishment Columbus defenceman James Wisniewski and Minnesota forward Brad Stabitz will get for their actions Friday. Both have been suspended indefinitely pending a hearing.

PERRON COMING BACK

Forward David Perron will rejoin the St. Louis Blues Monday.

Perron, who missed 72 games last season after suffering a concussion Nov. 4, had five goals and two assists before getting hurt. He hasn't skated with the Blues in training camp and there is no indication when, or if, he will play in the preseason.